FAQs

What is a labor union?

A labor union is an organization of workers who work to achieve the common goals as stated above. The labor union, through its leadership, bargains with the employer on behalf of union members (rank and file members) and negotiates labor contracts with employers.

This may include the negotiation of wages, work rules, complaint procedures, rules governing hiring, firing and promotion of workers, benefits, workplace safety and policies. The agreements negotiated by the union leaders are binding on the rank and file members and the employer and in some cases on other non-member workers.

Why Join a Union?

There may be no better reason to join a union other than the fact that union members’ wages are 28% higher than non-union workers’ wages. It is not uncommon for non-union workers to earn $8 an hour, have no health insurance, and no pension. Public assistance programs funded by taxpayers make up for what employers should be paying, but are instead pocketing. Of course, corporations and private businesses have the fundamental right to make a profit....it is part of the American Dream. But some CEOs can earn 500 times the wages paid to their workers, and this greed is contributing to the demise of the middle class.

In 1935, the United States Government enacted the National Labor Relations Act which grants employees in the private sector the right to form labor organizations and bargain collectively without the interference of employers. There is no denying that there is power in numbers, and such strength gives an edge to employees when it comes to setting the terms and conditions of their employment.

Many non-union workers take for granted the rights and protections afforded to them by virtue of labor’s struggles in the past. The 8-hour work day and 5-day work week are key examples. Additionally, in the ten states in which unions are the strongest, there is less poverty, higher household income, more education spending, and better public policy than in the ten states in which unions are the weakest.

What is Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a structured system of training designed to prepare individuals for skilled occupations. It combines on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced journey workers with related classroom instruction.

What local Unions is the NEWBT affiliated with?

NEWBT - Local Union Affiliations

International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers

The North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

International Union of Elevator Constructors

International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers

International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers

Laborers’ International Union of North America

International Union of Operating Engineers

Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades

United Association Union Plumbers, Pipefitters & Service Techs

United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers

Sheet Metal Workers International Association

Road Sprinkler Fitters Local #669

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

What about Community Affiliations in Wisconsin?

Central Wisconsin Contractors Association

Labor Management Council of

Northeast Wisconsin

The New North

Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO

From Helmets to Hardhats National Workforce Development

Plover Area Business Association

Northeast Wisconsin Construction Industry Partnership

Who is on the Executive Committee of the NEWBT?

Ted Gumieny, Business Development Specialist

Don Allen, President

Tony Marcelle, Vice President

Jeff Knaus, Financial Secretary

Jeremy Wicke, Recording Secretary

Adam Maves, Sergeant at Arms

Marvin Cartwright, Trustee

Joe Mrotek, Trustee

Randy Weytens, Trustee

Shane Griesbach, Trustee

Craig Wagner, Trustee

Where is the NorthEast Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades Council headquartered?